![Sample our Engineering & Technology journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5933/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Engineering-Tech.jpg"})
Abstract
This article describes a recent trend in Japanese research, development and commercialization toward the application of stem cell technologies. Japan is the world’s third largest economy and has a significant national presence in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology businesses; as such, stem cell R&D is abundant in the country. As indicated by the second largest share of patent applications worldwide, Japan had been expected to assert significant added value in the commercialization and industrial application of stem cell technologies; however, difficulties have impeded clinical development in this area, particularly the very small number of clinical trials and approved products for regenerative medicine or cell therapy. To address this ‘Japan paradox’, this report provides an overview of approaches for the commercialization of stem cell technologies in areas such as drug discovery, cell therapy and regenerative medicine, by discussing representative case examples of listed firms.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank all of the researchers and database providers who supported this study.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
This study was supported by the Funding Program for Next Generation World-Leading Researchers of Japan’s Cabinet Office Council for Science and Technology Policy and a research program funded by the World Premium International Research Center Initiative from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.